Therapeutic effect of nasogastric tube and nasointestinal tube enteral nutrition for severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of enteral nutrition in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) by nasogastric tube and nasointestinal tube. Methods A retrospective case control study was made on 64 patients with sTBI hospitalized from October 2013 to December 2015. The patients were assigned to nasogastric tube group (n=32) and nasointestinal tube group (n=32) according to the random number table, and the same nutrient solution was given to all patients. Eighteen male and 14 female patients aged (37.8±8.7)years were identified in nasogastric tube group, and the Glasgow coma score (GCS) was (4.7±1.3)points. Twenty males and 14 females aged (39.7±6.5)years were identified in nasointestinal tube group, and the GCS was (4.1±1.2)points. Triceps skinfold thickness, body mass index, hemoglobin, level of serum albumin and level of prealbumin were measured and compared between groups before and after operation. Incidence of complications was recorded as well. Results All the above-mentioned indexes of the two groups did not differ significantly before the therapy (P>0.05), but showed significant differences 7 and 15 days after therapy (P<0.05). Incidence of complications in nasointestinal tube group (17 lung infection, nine gastrointestinal bleeding, 11 electrolyte imbalance) was lower than that in nasogastric tube group (seven lung infection, two gastrointestinal bleeding, one reflux esophagitis, four electrolyte imbalance) (P<0.05). Conclusion Nasointestinal tube enteral nutrition is better than nasogastric tube enteral nutrition in improving nutritional status and reducing complications in patients with sTBI. Key words: Craniocerebral trauma; Enteral nutrition; Nursing care